During our trip through Greece, we met Ziggy: a handsome young boy who spent his early life as a hunter's dog. When he was no longer needed, he was heartlessly abandoned and left to starve. We found him on a secluded beach in the Pelion region, where he emerged from the bushes. Hesitant and scared, yet clearly desperate for human connection.

It was heartbreaking to see him so emaciated; at only 12 kg, he is severely underweight for a dog of his size (his healthy weight should be around 18 kg). We immediately provided him with food, water, and the TLC he so desperately needed.

The Sad Reality of the Ghekas

Ziggy is a Ghekas, a traditional Greek hunting dog used for tracking hare and deer. Sadly, in this region, when these loyal dogs are no longer deemed ‘useful’, they are often discarded like trash. That is exactly what happened to Ziggy.

In this isolated spot, Ziggy was completely alone and unwanted by the nearby houses. He clung to us as if his life depended on it (and I’m sure it did). We knew then and there: we couldn’t leave him behind, like that hunter once did. We had to find him the help he deserves.

Finding the Right Help

Finding help for Ziggy wasn't easy. First we were told the municipality was responsible for strays. However, we were quickly warned by locals: ‘Do not bring Ziggy to the municipal shelter; it’s a death sentence.’

After a weekend of desperately searching for help (and being turned away), we finally found the help Ziggy needed with the volunteers of Zoofiliki Adespoton Piliou (ZAP), a local animal welfare organisation. They have opened their hearts to Ziggy and arranged a temporary safe haven where he can gain strength and recover. He will stay in their care until he is healthy and ready to travel to his forever home.

Once Ziggy has recovered, our next mission will be finding him the loving home he deserves. We know that finding the right match can be a tough journey, but we’re committed to making sure Ziggy ends up in the right place. After all, as Vana said: 'Ziggy is an angel in a dog’s body.' And we couldn't agree more!

Why We Need Your Help

While the municipality covers basic vaccinations and neutering, the day-to-day survival and preparation for adoption fall entirely on the volunteers. Ziggy has a long road ahead of him to reach his target weight and find a family.

Your donation will go directly towards*:

- High-quality nutrition to help him gain those vital 6 kilograms.

- His pet passport and travel preparation for his future home.

- Anti-parasitic treatments and ongoing care.

- Support for the shelter that took him in when he had nowhere else to go.

The best news? Ziggy has already had a full medical check-up and is officially free of Mediterranean diseases! He is going to be a healthy, resilient boy who now needs a bit of help to start his new life.

Every euro counts. Whether it’s the price of a coffee or a larger contribution, you are directly helping Ziggy transition from a 'discarded' hunting dog to a beloved family member.

This might not change the world, but is most certainly changes Ziggy's. Thank you for your support!

* P.S. Any funds raised beyond what Ziggy requires for his recovery and travel will go directly to Zoofiliki Adespoton Piliou (ZAP).